Peter Rabbit has something for all ages

Title:  Peter Rabbit

Grade:  B

Rating: PG

In a Nutshell: Beatrix Potter’s beloved The Tale of Peter Rabbit gets a very modern spin as Sony Pictures blends live action with impressively expressive animation.  

With lots of critter mayhem, silly banter, and posh British accents, this family flick will make old and young viewers giggle at least a few times.  While it’s not the greatest movie out, there is something for everyone here, as well as some surprising depth that will touch your heart.
                                                 

Tips for parents: 

• An old man dies by having a heart attack.
• The rabbits steal things and trash a house and all of that is supposed to be considered cute and funny.
• Your kids are going to want a pet rabbit after they see the movie.
• Some fighting and violence
• Some references to things anyone under 25 wouldn’t understand.
• Some rude humor, but no profanity.

Uplifting theme: 

• The importance of family
• Forgiveness
• Kindness

                                     

Things I liked:

• James Cordon does a great job as the voice of Peter Rabbit.  We’ll see him in two more animated movies this year: Smallfoot and Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2.  He’s probably hoping everyone will forget he was in The Emoji Movie.
• Other voice talent includes Sam Neill and a cast of very lovely ladies: Daisy Ridley, Elizabeth Debicki, Sia, and Margot Robbie.
• Domhnall Gleeson is perfect, just like he is in everything else he does.
• Cute beginning.  Quick intro to all of the characters with some humor.
• Very expressive animation with incredible details.
• Some of the original Peter Rabbit animation design is shown as a respectful nod to the past.
• Upbeat soundtrack.
• I liked the enthusiastic rooster’s reaction to each new day.  We should all feel that way when we wake up!
• It’s sweet when their foreheads touch.
• Keep watching during the rolling credits at the end.
• Funny deer gag.
• Peter Rabbit’s motivation is much deeper than you would expect.
• Parents aren’t going to mind watching this with their kids.
• When Bea and Tom play Scrabble, she makes the word “Potter” in honor of the author of the original The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter.
• Very fast moving in action, gags, and jokes.
• Surprisingly, many of the live scenes were filmed in Australia, although the story takes place in England.

Things I didn’t like:

• It veers VERY far from the gentle original.
• Harrods department store is mentioned several times.  Americans may not know what it is.  It’s similar to the famous Macy’s department store in New York City, enormous and hugely successful.
• It’s predictable, but still enjoyable.

                                                                    

Funny lines:

• “And where did they get those little jackets?  They’ve been there all along!” –  Mr McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) 

                                     

                                              @trinaboice